Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to extend the deadline for enrolling newborn infants in health benefits coverage from 60 to 90 days after birth. It directly affects newborns and their parents, requiring health insurance corporations to allow enrollment within this longer timeframe. The key provision states that parents must notify the insurer and pay the required subscription amount within 90 days to maintain coverage beyond that period. The bill was withdrawn as it was already enacted into law through P.L.2025, c.194.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member "Property Tax Study Commission" to examine New Jersey's property tax system and develop recommendations for reducing residential property tax burdens. The commission, including state officials and appointed public members with tax/finance expertise, must submit an interim report within 9 months and a final report within 12 months. Its recommendations must be revenue-neutral (not increasing or decreasing overall state revenue), address inequities, and explore alternatives to reduce local government reliance on property taxes. The final report will include specific legislative proposals and any constitutional changes needed, with annual follow-up reports for five years after the final report is issued. The bill directly affects all New Jersey homeowners and local governments by initiating a formal review of property tax policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2773) creates a four-year grant program to fund performing arts education in eligible New Jersey school districts. It requires districts to demonstrate that a majority of their schools serve high concentrations of multilingual learners, students in resource family care, rural students, or at-risk pupils to qualify for grants. Funds can be used for arts materials, teacher training, program development (including college/career pathways), and extracurricular activities. Participating districts must report annually on program participation and outcomes, and the Commissioner of Education must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature recommending whether to continue the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water suppliers in New Jersey to immediately notify local governments and schools whenever a serious drinking water violation occurs under federal EPA rules. Specifically, suppliers must contact municipal officials and school administrators (including charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges) via phone and email within the affected area. The notification must detail the contaminant, test results, locations of violations, and suggested remedies for affected customers. It applies to all public water systems and ensures transparency about water safety issues impacting communities and educational institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts farmers in New Jersey from paying sales and use tax when purchasing qualifying farm vehicles. It removes the current 18,000-pound weight limit for vehicles registered as farm vehicles, expanding the existing tax exemption to cover all farm vehicles regardless of size. Farmers must provide documentation proving their farming status to claim the exemption. The exemption applies to the purchase, rental, lease, and repair parts of these vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2722) creates a state-run central registry to manage background checks for employees and volunteers working with youth. It directly affects youth-serving organizations (like sports leagues, clubs, and nonprofits for kids under 18, excluding schools) that must register with the registry and pay a fee to participate. Organizations must conduct annual background checks on all staff/volunteers using the registry, with checks required every two years for current members. The registry identifies individuals with certain criminal convictions (such as violent crimes, crimes against children, or drug offenses) that would disqualify them from working with youth, and updates records to reflect these disqualifications. The state sets the fee structure but caps background check costs at actual expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to expand the existing Statewide Student Support Services program to include eating disorder awareness, prevention, and counseling services for students in grades K-12. Regional hubs administering the program must assess community needs for these services and develop policies to provide them through the program's three-tiered system: universal workshops (Tier 1), small-group programs (Tier 2), and clinical interventions (Tier 3). The law directly affects all K-12 students in New Jersey by adding eating disorder support to existing mental health services. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.366.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1275) allows expectant mothers in New Jersey who are residents of the state and in their third trimester of pregnancy to receive a temporary parking placard. The placard, valid for three months and costing $4, permits parking overtime at metered spots or use of disability-accessible parking in any municipality. It requires certification from a licensed doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife confirming the third trimester, without needing the mother's physical presence. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program allowing New Jersey's State Agriculture Development Committee to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands. It directly affects woodland owners (minimum 20 acres) who manage their land for agriculture, forestry, or horticulture under approved stewardship plans. The program permanently restricts development on these lands through easements funded by existing farmland preservation funds, requiring landowners to maintain agricultural or forest production. The committee coordinates with federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program to secure additional funding for this conservation effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits operating drones below 250 feet over school property without permission. Specifically, it makes it a disorderly persons offense to use a drone for surveillance, hover over school grounds, or use school buildings as takeoff/landing areas without the superintendent's written authorization. The law applies to all public and nonpublic K-12 schools in New Jersey. Violations carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill aims to protect student safety and privacy by restricting unauthorized drone activity near schools.